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The best charcoal pizza oven should be durable, efficient, and user-friendly. Equally important is their ability to reach and maintain high temperatures for the perfect crispy crust and gooey cheese— all while infusing that irresistible smoky flavor. Using the wrong one can result in subpar pies and a less-than-ideal cooking experience.
When selecting a charcoal pizza oven, always consider the quality of materials, heat distribution, ease of use, and cleaning and, of course, cooking performance. The oven should be capable of reaching the high temperatures required for authentic pizza, distributing heat uniformly to prevent hot or cold spots, and cleaning up easily after the culinary fun is done.
In this guide, we bring you the expertise based on hands-on experience and extensive testing to identify the best charcoal pizza oven, with a view to help guide your purchasing process and ultimately, your culinary experience. Our thorough product evaluations will highlight the pros and cons of top contenders, so you can feel confident in your choice. By the end of this guide, you will have all the information you need to choose the best charcoal pizza oven for your culinary adventures.
Best Charcoal Pizza Oven
Choosing the right charcoal pizza oven is critical to producing mouth-watering, restaurant-quality pizza at home. The perfect oven should be durable, efficient, user-friendly, and most importantly, deliver that classic wood-fired flavor and signature, crisp crust. With abundant options available in the market, it can be a grueling task to choose the perfect one that fits your requirements best. With firsthand experience and myriad tests, we have curated a list comprising the best charcoal pizza ovens to help steer your decision process.
CO-Z 12 Inch Portable Pizza Stove, Camping Pizza Oven Wood Fired, Outdoor Wood Pellet Pizza Oven with Thermometer, Outside Pizza Maker Wood Burning with Pizza Stone & Peel Cutter & Storage Bag
If you’re looking for a portable wood-fired pizza oven that’s easy to set up and use, the CO-Z 12 Inch Portable Pizza Stove is a great option.
Pros
- The oven is made of heat-resistant carbon steel, which is lightweight and durable.
- The removable baking board allows for easy cleaning and versatility in cooking.
- The adjustable flue damper allows for precise temperature control.
Cons
- The oven requires a significant amount of wood to heat up fully.
- The oven’s cooking surface is relatively small, which may be a concern for larger pizzas or groups of people.
- The oven’s legs can be a bit wobbly on uneven surfaces.
We’ve used the CO-Z 12 Inch Portable Pizza Stove a few times now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The oven is easy to set up and use, and it heats up quickly once you get a good fire going. The removable baking board is a nice feature, as it makes cleaning up a breeze and allows you to use the oven for other types of cooking as well.
One thing to keep in mind is that the oven requires a fair amount of wood to get up to temperature, so you’ll need to have a good supply on hand. Additionally, the oven’s cooking surface is on the smaller side, so if you’re planning to make pizzas for a larger group of people, you may need to make them in batches.
Overall, we think the CO-Z 12 Inch Portable Pizza Stove is a great option for anyone looking for a portable wood-fired pizza oven. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and durable, and it produces some delicious pizzas.
Giantex Outdoor Pizza Oven Wood Fired, 2-Layer Pizza Maker with Pizza Stone, Pizza Peel, Removable Cooking Rack, Waterproof Cover, Folding Legs, Outside Pizza Ovens for Camping Backyard BBQ (28 Inch)
If you’re looking for a portable and versatile pizza oven, the Giantex Outdoor Pizza Oven is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The two-layer design allows for more cooking space and versatility, as you can cook different dishes at the same time.
- The pizza oven is easy to assemble and use, and the folding legs make it easy to transport and store.
- The removable cooking rack and waterproof cover add to the convenience and durability of the pizza oven.
Cons
- The pizza oven is made of low-quality materials, which can make it difficult to regulate the temperature and may cause it to rust over time.
- The included pizza peel is flimsy and may not be durable enough for frequent use.
- The assembly instructions can be confusing, which may make it difficult for some users to put the pizza oven together.
We’ve used the Giantex Outdoor Pizza Oven for a few camping trips and backyard BBQs, and we’ve found it to be a reliable and convenient option for making pizzas and other dishes. The two-layer design is particularly useful, as it allows us to cook different items at the same time without having to constantly switch between different appliances. The folding legs and included waterproof cover also make it easy to transport and store the pizza oven, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
However, we’ve also noticed that the pizza oven is made of low-quality materials, which can make it difficult to regulate the temperature and may cause it to rust over time. Additionally, the included pizza peel is flimsy and may not be durable enough for frequent use. Finally, the assembly instructions can be confusing, which may make it difficult for some users to put the pizza oven together.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable and versatile pizza oven that’s easy to use and transport, the Giantex Outdoor Pizza Oven is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a more durable and high-quality option, you may want to consider other models.
PIZZELLO Outdoor Pizza Oven 4 in 1 Wood Fired 2-Layer Detachable Outside Ovens With Pizza Stone, Pizza Peel, Cover, Cooking Grill Grate, Pizzello Gusto
If you’re looking for a versatile outdoor pizza oven that can cook a variety of dishes, then the PIZZELLO Outdoor Pizza Oven 4 in 1 Wood Fired 2-Layer Detachable Outside Ovens With Pizza Stone, Pizza Peel, Cover, Cooking Grill Grate, Pizzello Gusto is worth considering.
Pros
- The 2-layer insulated fire brick design allows for cooking at high temperatures, perfect for making Neapolitan-style pizzas in just 60 seconds.
- The oven is easy to assemble and use, and the included accessories such as the pizza peel, pizza stone, and cover make it convenient to get started with.
- The oven is built with durability in mind, and the powder-coated finish ensures it will withstand the elements and look great for years to come.
Cons
- The oven’s cooking area is only 13.6″ in diameter, which may be too small for larger pizzas or other dishes.
- The oven’s legs are not adjustable, which may make it difficult to find a stable and level cooking surface.
- The oven’s weight of 29 pounds may make it difficult to move around once it’s assembled.
We’ve used the PIZZELLO Outdoor Pizza Oven 4 in 1 Wood Fired 2-Layer Detachable Outside Ovens With Pizza Stone, Pizza Peel, Cover, Cooking Grill Grate, Pizzello Gusto to make a variety of dishes, and we’re impressed with its performance. The oven heats up quickly and retains heat well, allowing us to cook pizzas, flatbreads, and even grilled vegetables and meats to perfection.
The included accessories make it easy to get started with, and the oven’s compact size makes it perfect for small patios or balconies. The oven’s durable construction also ensures it will last for years to come.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use outdoor pizza oven, the PIZZELLO Outdoor Pizza Oven 4 in 1 Wood Fired 2-Layer Detachable Outside Ovens With Pizza Stone, Pizza Peel, Cover, Cooking Grill Grate, Pizzello Gusto is definitely worth considering.
Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal, 20 pound
If you’re looking for a long-lasting charcoal that can handle large-scale grilling, the Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The big block design provides a slow and steady heat source for hours, making it perfect for low-and-slow smoking and grilling.
- The lump charcoal is 100% natural hardwood, which means it burns hotter and longer than other charcoals.
- The natural hardwood flavor enhances the taste of your food, making every bite more delicious.
Cons
- The price point may be a bit higher than other charcoals on the market.
- Some users may find that the charcoal produces more ash than other brands.
- The big block design may not be as convenient for quick grilling sessions.
If you’re looking for a charcoal that can handle large-scale grilling and smoking sessions, the Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal is definitely worth considering. The big block design provides a slow and steady heat source for hours, making it perfect for low-and-slow smoking and grilling. Additionally, the lump charcoal is 100% natural hardwood, which means it burns hotter and longer than other charcoals. This also means that the natural hardwood flavor enhances the taste of your food, making every bite more delicious.
One potential downside to consider is the price point, which may be a bit higher than other charcoals on the market. Additionally, some users may find that the charcoal produces more ash than other brands. Finally, the big block design may not be as convenient for quick grilling sessions.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality charcoal that can handle large-scale grilling and smoking sessions, the Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal is definitely worth considering.
VEVOR Outdoor Pizza Oven, 12-inch Wood Fire Pizza Ovens, Pellet and Charcoal Pizza Maker Outside with Cordierite Stone, Portable Pizza Oven for Backyard Camping, Waterproof Carry Bag, Shovel, Black
If you’re looking for a portable pizza oven that can cook a perfect pizza in just a few minutes, then the VEVOR Outdoor Pizza Oven is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The cordierite stone baking board retains heat well and ensures even cooking.
- The double-walled construction of the pizza oven keeps the inside hot and the outside safe to touch.
- The portable design and sturdy carry bag make it easy to take on camping trips or tailgating parties.
Cons
- The oven requires a small amount of pellets to maintain temperature, which can be inconvenient for some users.
- The cooking area is only 11.8 inches in diameter, which may be too small for some pizza enthusiasts.
- The oven’s maximum cooking temperature of 475°F may not be high enough for some users who prefer a very crispy crust.
We’ve used the VEVOR Outdoor Pizza Oven several times and have been impressed with its performance. The cordierite stone baking board is a standout feature, as it retains heat well and ensures that the bottom of the pizza is cooked evenly. We also appreciate the double-walled construction of the oven, which keeps the inside hot and the outside safe to touch. The portable design is a plus, as it makes it easy to take the oven on the go. The sturdy carry bag is a nice touch, as it protects the oven during transport.
One potential downside to the oven is that it requires a small amount of pellets to maintain temperature. While this isn’t a big deal for us, it may be inconvenient for some users who prefer a more hands-off cooking experience. Additionally, the cooking area is only 11.8 inches in diameter, which may be too small for some pizza enthusiasts who prefer larger pies. Finally, the oven’s maximum cooking temperature of 475°F may not be high enough for some users who prefer a very crispy crust.
Overall, we would recommend the VEVOR Outdoor Pizza Oven to anyone who is looking for a portable, easy-to-use pizza oven that can cook a great pizza in just a few minutes.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best charcoal pizza oven, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve used and tested several models, so we know what to look for.
Cooking Area
One of the most important factors to consider is the cooking area. This will determine how many pizzas you can cook at once. If you plan on making multiple pizzas at the same time, you’ll want a larger cooking area. However, keep in mind that a larger cooking area also means a larger and heavier oven.
Heat Output
Another important feature to consider is the heat output. The heat output will determine how quickly your pizza cooks. If you want a crispy crust, you’ll want a high heat output. However, keep in mind that a high heat output also means a hotter oven, which can be dangerous.
Construction
The construction of the oven is also important. Look for an oven made with high-quality materials that can withstand high temperatures. A well-constructed oven will also be more durable and last longer.
Portability
If you plan on taking your pizza oven on the go, portability is a key feature to consider. Look for an oven that is lightweight and easy to transport. Some ovens even come with a carrying case for added convenience.
Accessories
Finally, consider the accessories that come with the oven. Look for an oven that comes with all the necessary accessories, such as a pizza peel, brush, and thermometer. Some ovens also come with additional features, such as a warming rack or adjustable cooking grate.
By considering these key features, you can find the best charcoal pizza oven for your needs.
